Now Open: Sasaki in Scottsdale

In late September, a new 96-seat Japanese restaurant called Sasaki Sushi & Bar opened across the walkway from Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts near Old Town. The chef is Juan Barbosa, formerly of The Grand Blue, Kona Grill, and Squid Ink. Sasaki is housed in a building formerly home to various restaurants through the years, including Sue Speidel's Orange Table.

The menu doesn't stray too far from that of your typical sushi joint. One exception, though, is that Sasaki will be serving takoyaki. Takoyaki are a hugely popular street (and drunk) food in Japan, spherical fritters containing chopped octopus. Sasaki's takoyaki are topped with seaweed and tempura shards.

Owner Monica Pi has completely renovated the restaurant's interior. Sasaki's design is based on cherry blossoms.